Uniqueness

Cisco has always operated in an environment of unpredictable standards. To better deal with that uncertainty Cisco used Sequoia Capital – the venture capital vehicle – to finance an outside team, often staffed by former Cisco employees.

Additionally, the company’s growth strategy was focused from the very beginning on an approach of ‘Build / Buy / Partner’. With digital disruption a threat, Cisco needed to accelerate the pace of change. Cisco’s top management therefore added two additional elements to their growth strategy: ‘Invest’ and ‘Co-develop’.

Value

Whilst many competitors of Cisco have struggled, the company has been able to maintain agility in an uncertain market and outperform others regarding several KPIs over a 10-year period: